Early signs are positive that Stokes can play key Ashes role

ON October 25, 10 days before England departed for Australia and seven weeks before the Ashes were due to begin, the whole tone of this tour shifted.

- Will Macpherson

Having been out of all cricket for three months to manage a finger injury and his mental health, and having only played four of England’s last 14 Tests for all sorts of reasons, Ben Stokes would be on the plane.

The news brought sighs of relief. First, that Stokes felt up to playing again after a tumultuous few years led to a tormented few months. Second, that an English great would get a crack at the Ashes in Australia while in his prime. He had missed one, aged 26, because he got himself in trouble. It would have been a desperate shame if he missed another, aged 30, because he was troubled. He performed well in Australia on debut in 2013-14, and could return a veteran in 2025, but this was his last chance as the totem.

With his vice-captain back, few sighs were deeper than Joe Root’s. The presence of his premier all-rounder would balance his side, allow him to select a spinner and share the batting load. Stuart Broad described the news as the best text he received all year.

“We know he’s an influential player, but there’s a bit of fear factor with the Australians and him,” Broad said. “Things he’s done in the past, Headingley 2019. For us, the balance of the side and everything he gives is really important, but the emotional side and the leadership in the group is more important. You know he’s a warrior, he’s going to stand up when times get tough.”